12 patients (9 males, 3 females; aged 35-63 years, mean 55) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied in order to determine the correlation between the values of pulmonary arterial pressure and the M-mode echographic size of the right pulmonary artery (RPA) from the subxiphoid approach. Both the largest (systolic) and smallest (diastolic) size of the vessel were considered, and both were corrected for body surface area ('index size' - PA/BSA). The reliability of this echographic size is supported by the evidence that the tract of the pulmonary artery considered in this study is perpendicular to the ultrasonic beam. Both the systolic and diastolic size of RPA correlated with the systolic, diastolic, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, detected by catheterization. Measurements of RPA size were made from the suprasternal approach in 8 patients out of 12. The size of RPA from the subxiphoid approach was also estimated in 21 normal subjects, serving as controls. Measurements of RPA size from the suprasternal approach were made in 12 of these subjects. Both the systolic and diastolic size of RPA from the subxiphoid approach correlated with the systolic and diastolic size of the suprasternal view in patients and in normal subjects. Subxiphoid M-mode echocardiography seems to be a valuable noninvasive technique in assessment of pulmonary hypertension, particularly in patients affected by COPD.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

[Changes in myoglobin in primary and secondary angina].

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Adult↗

PubMed1980

Effect of hematocrit on the blood viscosity of patients with chronic respiratory failure and secondary polycythemia.

The blood of patients with chronic global respiratory failure and polycythemia exhibits higher viscosity than that of normal subjects. Plasma changes have been excluded as causal factors. The viscosity of whole blood, plasma and blood after correction of hematocrit (Ht; 45%) with autologous plasma, has been determined. The results indicate that in such patients the increase in Ht is not the most important factor affecting the rheological properties (increased viscosity) of blood. A high Ht value may be only pat of the mechanism that increases the blood viscosity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is evidence that other factors are responsible for increased blood viscosity in chronic respiratory failure.

Blood Viscosity↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Today's trends in endodontics].

Some new means and innovative operative techniques in the field of endodontics are presented that have been developed and perfected over time. Instruments such as the operative microscope, ultrasonography, miniaturised tools for surgery, new materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) should become part of the daily routine of the endodontist. For example, the operative microscope plays a role in diagnosing pulp damage after removal of deep caries; in orthograde endodontics in diagnosing perforations; alongside ultrasonography in the search for calcified canals, removal of pins (screw-type, fibre, etc.) and also in positioning MTA. In all these cases, the operative microscope is used discontinuously, alternating working and observation phases. In endodontic surgery, the operative microscope is on the contrary used continuously, enabling the surgeon to observe details of anatomy of the root apex at high magnification, and above all enabling positioning of canal obturation with perfect seal. It is clear that the operative microscope used in all surgical phases will enable complete management of the operation and facilitate the endodontist in observing the operative field, otherwise very difficult to control.

Dental Instruments↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Therapeutic effectiveness of isosorbide-5-mono nitrate in the treatment of exertion myocardial ischemia].

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Coronary Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[An update on the role of fibrinogen in the atherothrombotic process].

The authors start from the clinical fact that fibrinogen shall be considered today as a major and independent cardiovascular risk factor. Based on this assumption, they re-examine the latest studies and the modern theories on the role that fibrinogen would play in the atherothrombotic process. Among the various theories taken into consideration, the authors particularly emphasize the lesion reaction theory which, revised and re-interpreted in the light of the recent acquisitions, seems to give the most plausible explanation to the events leading to atheromatous plate formation and to subsequent thrombosis. Furthermore, the various causes leading to hyperfibrinogenemia are taken into consideration. On this subject, the authors wonder which alternatives, can be adopted to reduce high fibrinogen levels. It is ascertained that no specific drugs are available for pharmacologic treatment of hyperfibrinogenemia. Instead, there are various active principles capable of reducing fibrinogen levels, in addition to their primary action. The authors stress that in the cardiovascular branch, for example, both ticlopidine and bezabifrate can help reduce hyperfibrinogenemia, in addition to their respective antiplatelet and anti-hyperlipoproteinemic action.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗